PrincipledMom™

This seems to be a stumbling block to many a Principle Approach family. What exactly is a leading idea? How is it different from a principle? Why is it important and how do I find it?
FACE defines a leading idea as "...an idea that leads the reason down a pathway."
Actually the leading idea (LI) is a very simple one. A LI is simply the bridge between the concrete and the abstract. It helps your child learn to reason from the concrete (information) to the abstract (principle). It points to, or leads you, to the principle. The LI says, "Hey, over here! Here's the principle!" And it points with a big sign. Well, at least it gets you in the same ZIP code.

It is related to the principle but is not the principle itself. I hope this helps you understand how it "works". LI's are another thing that makes BPA a philosphy and not a curriculum. When you can offer the leading idea your child is able to see into the abstract and reason in a profound way.

For example, in the NP 1st Grade Lessons when we talk about Columbus this is how they created the plans:
Principle: God uses individual character to forward His Gospel.
Leading idea: Queen Isabella listened to her conscience when she aided Columbus financially.

Do you see how the LI points to the principle? You can state that and then let your child come to the conclusion himself. It's a basic but important part of learning to educate with this philosophy. Yes, it takes time and diligence, but the rewards of a child who can reason from God's word for himself are priceless.

The Foundation for American Christian Education has some very helpful methodology in the Mathematics Curriculum Guide. It shows how to 4-R to create lesson plans, what leading ideas are and how to use them and much more. (These tools alone make the Math CG worth the cost, not to mention all the terrific material they offer inside.)They also have a helpful article on Mastering the Leading Ideas of the Red Books.

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